posted on Jul, 9 2009 @ 01:53 PM
Interesting idea Jensy, Trenchard must be revolving in his grave like a black and decker drill.
My first reaction was obviously 'NOOOOO!!!!!' Then I thought about it and currently think 'no'. At least I've calmed down
I couldn't imagine it working in the way you envisaged as the major part of the RAF fixed wing combat fleet is direct support of Army operations,
this also applies even to the Hariers at sea who's purpose is offshore rapid response ground support, a bit like cab rank of WW2. A much tinier part
us UK home defence (incredibly!) which I also cannot see the RN being too happy about taking on.
I actually think that with JFH and JHC we have taken integration too far already and would like to see a proper independant FAA that would have been
capable of retaking the Falklands on its own, there was a lesson in that we had to call in RAF Harriers for that job, but it was not that that is how
it SHOULD be IMHO. The reason for the creation of the RAF has passed to the RN anyway, but I can't help the feeling that if the Govt went for it we
would soon be like New Zealand, with no combat aircraft at all.
But before I send this post, I do find myself tempted to give the idea some deeper thought. If I manage it I'll come back with a report, lol